((a)) ** .—** There is in the Veterans Health Administration an Office of Research and Development (in this section referred to as the “Office”).

((b)) ** .—** The function of the Office is to serve veterans through a full spectrum of research (including pre-clinical, clinical, and health systems science), technology transfer, and application.

((c)) ** .—** The head of the Office is the Chief Research and Development Officer.

((d)) ** .—** The Office shall be organized in such manner, and its personnel shall perform such duties and have such titles, as the Secretary may prescribe.